160 nm in 25 hours from Alanya, Turkey to Limassol, Cyprus with a SMG of 6.4 knots, WOW! And a lot of it undersail hitting 7 knots SOG. A very helpful current along the south shore of Cyprus pushed Necessity along at 7.5 knots while motoring.
We decided to depart Turkey a bit earlier than planned due to a high wind forecast, westerly gales to 30 knots.
After clearing customs and immigration Necessity was off the dock and out to sea at 1530. Light winds helped stabilize the boat in the large swells. Later on the wind picked up to around 15 knots on our beam for some exhilarating sailing. Dawn found us off the northwest cape of Cyprus, Ak Akamas. This was a decision point for us. As the passage had been so fast through the night we decided to push on for Limassol on the south coast of the Island knowing that we would be held up for a few days in port due to the weather. Having a safe harbour with facilities would be much preferred, and Cyprus does not have a lot of choices.
The currents on the south shore were setting east allowing us to make extraordinarily good speeds over the ground. Skirted the military firing practice range of Ak Gata to enter the large bay at Limassol and arrive at San Raphael Marina where we were given a berth. Cleared in for customs, immigration and health with the highly efficient marina staff, hit the showers and made for town. Wonderful meal ashore (Tom had the Mongolian pork steak, very tasty). A drama-free passage just the way we like it!!